Mountain Gorillas Safaris and tours in Uganda

Just like Rwanda, Uganda is also know for Mountain Gorillas Safaris and tours. The The fact that Uganda is a home to more than half of world’s mountain gorillas population which makes it the best destination to see them in the wild. These gentle giant are among the most endangered primates worldwide, and they share around 98% of their DNA with humans. However, Uganda is also a great destination for other activities like Wildlife Safaris, Mountain Hiking among other things. Uganda Travel Guide has put together a number of safari packages collected from various safari companies with competitive prices.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking experience

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerse you mist-covered forests in search of mountain gorillas. Following a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and guides early in the morning, the journey usually begins with a stroll over muddy pathways, high hills, and dense forest. The length of the trek varies significantly, ranging from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are on any particular day. After locating the gorilla family, you are allowed to spend an hour with them to observe them in peace, take photos, and get a chance to see the heartbreaking scene of a silverback guarding his young or juveniles tumbling among the vines. Groups are carefully limited to eight persons per gorilla family per day in order to ensure a low-impact, peaceful encounter.

Where to go for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda

Where as the total number of mountain gorillas in the world is estimated to be about 880 individuals and Uganda hosts more than half of this population. Uganda offers two national parks where gorilla trekking can be done. Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda and it is a home to 20 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four trekking sections; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Every section has distinct qualities and differing journey difficulty levels. In addition to its fame for gorilla trekking, Bwindi is known for its biodiversity, which includes more than 200 butterfly species, 350 bird species, and 120 animal species. Mgahinga National Park This is Uganda’s smallest national park and it is located in the Virunga Mountain range. Mgahinga is a home to Nyakagezi gorilla family which is known for its stable and approachable nature. However, they regularly cross the boarder to Rwanda and back so seek recent information on tracking these gorillas from your tour operator. So gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park are made on very short notice between one month to the tracking date. No tour operator can confirm availability of the tour unless its very close to the tracking date. Along with gorilla trekking, Mgahinga offers other activities like hiking volcanoes, tracking golden monkeys, and visiting native Batwa pygmy tribes. There are other national parks where mountain gorillas trekking can be done in East Africa for instance; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo. Abacus African Vacations a local tour operator has also started taking a good number of visitors to the bordering Congo for other families of gorillas. If you intend to do gorilla tracking in Uganda, a gorilla trekking permit has to be secured in advance. The permit can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or licensed tour operators. Permit costs for Foreign Non-Residents: $800 USD, Foreign Residents: $700 USD and East African Citizens: UGX 300,000. The fee contributes directly to conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and local community development projects.

What to Expect and What to Pack

It is crucial to prepare properly since the terrain might be difficult and trekking might call for a moderate level of physical fitness. Some hikes require many hours of high-altitude climbing across slick terrain and dense foliage. Some of recommended items to pack include; Waterproof hiking boots, Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for protection against insects and thorns), Lightweight rain jacket, Gardening gloves (for gripping vines and muddy slopes), Reusable water bottle and high-energy snacks, Camera (no flash allowed), Insect repellent and sunscreen

Tour Packages and Itineraries

Mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda are often part of multi-day tours ranging from 3 to 14 days. A minimum of three days are required to take a gorilla tour; he first day is of driving and the second day is the day of tracking the gorillas and the third day is for driving again back to Kampala or Entebbe.

The Uganda tour operators often combine gorilla trekking with other activities which give you better tour itineraries. For instance; Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or Kidepo Valley National Parks, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge. Others include; Cultural experiences with Batwa or Bakiga communities, Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel or the Nile River and Hiking and birding in the Rwenzori Mountains or Mabira Forest.

Best time for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is possible all year round, although the ideal times to go is during the dry seasons, which are June through September and December through February. As visibility is possible and trails are less muddy. Even during the rainy season, sightings are possible since gorillas do not move and the parks are lush and green throughout the year.